Hungary, Ukraine Expel Diplomats Amid Verified Spy Network Detentions

Tensions between Ukraine and Hungary have sharply escalated following Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) uncovering a Hungarian military intelligence network operating in the Transcarpathia region, home to a significant Hungarian minority. Ukraine detained two nationals accused of spying for Budapest, tasked with gathering sensitive military information and assessing local support for a potential Hungarian military presence. In retaliation, Hungary expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, while Ukraine reciprocated by expelling two Hungarian diplomats, leading to the cancellation of a planned bilateral meeting on minority rights. Hungarian officials dismissed Ukraine's espionage allegations as propaganda, whereas Kyiv emphasized the unprecedented nature of the spy network's exposure and Hungary's opposition to Ukraine's EU and NATO aspirations. The dispute further highlights Hungary's controversial stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, marked by its refusal to supply arms to Ukraine and calls for a ceasefire with Moscow. These developments have drawn calls from some European politicians for EU and NATO action against Hungary if the espionage allegations are confirmed.